Metatarsal arch support



`April 6, 1937. J. c. HOWELL METATARSAL RCH SUPPORT Filed Feb. 21, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS April 6, 1937 I J, c. HOWELL 2,075,941

METATARSAL ARCH SUPPORT l Filed Feb. 21, 1955 2 sheds-sheet 2 INVENTOR.

r JQSEP. C//o/YELL ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. it?, l?

UNTEE STATES PATENT QFFIQE 8 Claims.

This invention relates to arch supports and has particular reference to an adjustable support for the metatarsal arch.

The invention iurther comprehends an arch 5 support of the indicated character which is adjustable longitudinally in the region of the metatarsal arch, which is angularly adjustable about a point located under or adjacent the metatarsal arch and which is adjustable in elevation above 1U the sole of the shoe.

The invention more specically comprehends, in an arch support of the type specied, an oval shaped resilient pad having a convex upper surface. with the highest point substantially at the 1;, center thereof, a base to which the pad is secured, means anchored to the sole of the shoe and means of connection between the said base and anchoring means for adjusting the base vertically and horizontally with reference to the sole of the shoe.

More particularly the invention includes an improved device for adjustably anchoring the arch support to the sole of the shoe embodying a stud having means at its upper end between which the base of the arch support is clamped after the same has been set in longitudinally and angularly adjusted position.

The invention further provides a resilient arch pad and supporting and attaching means therefor, which permits of the downward flexingl of 30 the edge portions of the pad while aording a firm support for the central portion thereof to vary the degree oi curvature of the upper surface of the arch so as to aord the desired support.

The invention also embodies an arch supporting accessory for any style or type of mens womens or childrens shoes, which is simple in construction, which is capable of economic production and which is eiectivefor its intended purpose.

With these and other objects in view, reference is now made to the following specification and accompanying drawings in which there has been illustrated several embodiments of the invention, while the appended claims cover varia.- tions and modications thereof which fall within the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a bottom plan View of the improved metatarsal arch support.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view therethrough, illustrating the same in applied anchored position to the shoe sole.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a collective perspective View of the anchoring device for the arch supporting member showing: the parts' in separated juxtaposition.

Fig; 5 ist bottom plan view of a modified form ofjarch supporting: member with partsV broken away to disclose the underlying structure. 5

Fig. dis a longitudinal sectional view through the arch supporting member illustrating the same in applied anchored position tothe shoe sole.

Fig.. 'T is a transverse sectional View therethrough taken approximately on the line 'l--l of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is' a collective perspective view of the means. for detachably and adjustably connecting the arch support with the shoe sole, the parts thereof` being shown in separated juxtaposition.

Fig. 9- is a bottomi plan View of a metatarsal archA supporting member constructed in accordancewith another formV of the invention and illustrating supplemental supporting elements applied thereto. 20

Fig. l0V is a bottom plan view of the main arch supporting member.

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view therethrough illustrating the same in applied anchored position toL the shoe sole. 5

Fig. 12' is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line I2-l2 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a top plan View of a supplemental supporting element for the fourth metatarsal'.

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of a supplemental supporting element for the fifth metatarsal.

Fig. 15v is a top plan view of a supplemental supporting element for the second metatarsal.

Referring to the drawings by characters or reference, A designates generally the archsupporting member which includes a base lo shaped to the contour desired, inthe present instance the same being of generally oval formation conforming generally to the region of the metatarsal arch. The base I0 may be constructed of. leather, rubber or any analogous flexible resilient material which normally substantially flat and is adaptedV to rest upon` the upper surface of the sole portion of the. shoe. The member A also includes a pad element. H which is preferably of lesser area than the` base Ill and has its marginal edge spaced fromthe marginal edge of the base and which pad is formed with a iiat lower surface I2 and a convex upper surface I3, the pad being 50 thicker at the central portion and declining towards its marginal edgewhere it merges into the upper surface of the base lll. The pad element Il may be constructed of rubber, felt or any equivalent yieldable elastic cushioning material suitable for this purpose which gives the desired support and cushioning elfect.

The upper surface of the base I, adjacent its marginal edge, is skived as at I4 so that the 5 upper surface converges towards the lower surface and tapers off to a thin edge. The base I is formed with a longitudinally extending `slot I having longitudinally spaced laterally extending notches I E and I'I in its opposite side edges which 0 are disposed in transverse alignment. The undersurface I2 of the pad element II is adhesively or otherwise secured to the upper surface of the base IQ throughout its area except for a medial portion indicated by the broken line I8 in Fig. 1 5 of the drawings, and which unsecured portion is located over and adjacent the slot I5.

In order to provide means for detachably connecting the arch support A tol the sole B o-f the shoe, an anchoring device is employed which is designated generally by the reference character C. The anchoring device includes a stud having a threaded shank I9 which depends from a relatively thin head 20 which is positioned between the upper surface of the base I 0 and the unsecured medial portion I8 of the pad element II and which is introduced thereto by flexing or bowing the base I0 laterally and downwardly. The head 2E is provided with one or more depending key pins 2l which are disposed parallel to the shank I9 and which key pins and shank extend through the slot and protrude downwardly from the base IIJ. Obviously under this arrangement the shank I9 may be adjusted longitudinally with reference to the arch 5 support A while at the same time the arch support may be turned with reference to the shank I9 to obtain various angular adjustments. After the shank and arch support A have been set in the relative position desired, a rigid washer 22 preferably of metal is applied against the underside of the base lll, the washer being provided with a central opening 23 for receiving the threaded'shank I9 and eccentric openings 2li to receive the key pins 2 I. A lock nut 25 is threadedly engaged on the shank I9 and tightened against the washer to clamp the base adjacent the slotted portion between the head 20 and the washer.

The anchoring device further includes an interiorly threaded sleeve 26 which is designed to receive the threaded shank I9 and which is rotatably mounted in an opening 21 formed in the shoe sole B, the sleeve being provided with a kerfed head 28 which is exposed at the bottom of the shoe for turning the sleeve to draw the shank I9 and the arch support downward against the upper surface of the sole, the key pins 2l being engaged in preformed key sockets 29 opening through the upper surface of the sole.

In use the lock nut 25 is loosened and the shank I9 is threadedly engaged with the rotary sleeve 25 and drawn down loosely against the upper surface of the shoe sole. T'he user, after trying and shifting the arch support A to various positions, determines the position which properly and comfortably supports the arch. The arch,

together with the stud, is disengaged and removed from the shoe and the lock nut is then tightenedto retain the arch support and stud in 0 their adjusted relation. The shank I9 is then reengaged with the rotary threaded sleeve 26 and is drawn into place where it is held in place by the clamping action of the sleeve. It is, of course, obvious that pads may be used which Vary in thickness and the height of a pad may be varied by inserting one or more additional washers or similar elements 22 before the stud is engaged with the sleeve 26.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, '7 and 8, D designates generally the arch supporting member which includes a base plate 34 preferably of thin sheet metal or an equivalent flexible resilient material which is normally substantially at and is` contoured to conform substantially to the region of the metatarsal arch of the foot. In order to render the plate 3i more flexible adjacent its margin, the same is provided with radial slits 35 extending inwardly from adjacent its marginal edge. The plate is formed substantially centrally thereof with a longitudinally extending slot 3B and has outwardly extending notches 3T opening into the slot and spaced about the edges thereof, the notches on the opposite longitudinal edges being staggered with reference to each other.

A cover plate 38 of sheet metal or an equivalent fiexible resilient material is spot welded or otherwise secured to the upper surface of the base plate 3f: at laterally spaced points 39 lying on opposite sides of the slot 3B and substantially intermediate the length of the base plate. The cover plate 38 is of a size to completely cover the slot 35 and the notches 31 and to extend slightly there beyond.

The arch member D also includes a pad element @il which is shaped to conform generally to the shape and size of the base plate 34 and the pad is formed with a substantially hat undersurface and a convex upper surface III, the pad being thicker at the central portion and declining into a thin edge. The pad element 48 is superimposed upon the base plate 34 and cover plate 38 and may be adhesively or otherwise secured thereto. The pad element 4U may be constructed of rubber, felt or any equivalent yieldable elastic cushioning material which is suitable for the purpose and which provides the proper support and cushioning effect. The arch member D is completed by a thin sheath 42 of leather or an equivalent material which completely covers the upper surface of the pad element d and extends beyond the marginal edge thereof and which has a lower ply 43 underlying the base plate 34 and provided with a longitudinal slot Il which exposes the slot 36 and notches 3l of the base plate. The marginal edges of the sheath are skived to a thin edge 45.

Means is provided for detachably and adjustably connecting the arch support with the sole E of the shoe and said means includes a tubular interiorly threaded stud 46 which is provided with an enlarged head 4l at its upper end, exterior threads I8 immediately below the head and longitudinal external splines 49 extending downwardly from the threaded portion 48 of the stud to the lower end thereof. The head 47 of the stud is located between the upper surface of the base plate 34 and the undersurface of the cover plate 38 with the stud I6 extending downwardly through the slot 36 in the base plate. A disk like lock nut 50 is threadedly engaged over the threaded portion 48 of the stud 46 and is designed to cooperate with the head 41 to clamp the base plate in adjusted set position with reference to the stud 46, it being obvious that the arch member D may be set at longitudinally or angularly adjusted relations to the stud after which the lock nut serves to retain the adjustment. The detachable and adjustable means of connection betweenthe arch member D and the shoe sole E further include an anchoring device which consists of a tubular bushing 5i having a flange 52 at its upper end and formed with internal longitudinally extending splines 53 with which the external splines. 49 of the stud are adapted to engage to permit of the setting of the stud therein at various angular positions and to prevent rotation oi the stud with reference to the bushing. It will be understood that the bushing is inserted in an opening formed in the sole E with the flange 52 countersunk in the upper surface of the sole. 'I'he stud is retained in place and adjusted vertically in the bushing by means of a screw 54 which cooperates with the internal threads of the stud. The screw screw, in addition to serving as a means for securing the stud and arch member D in place, is utilized for adjusting the elevation of the arch member. In order to lock the screw in its adjusted position, a set screw 58 extends through an opening 62 in the bottom plate 56V and is adapted for selective threaded engagement in threaded openings 59 formed in the flange 55. The bushing and bottom plate are secured together by rivets 66 which pass therethrough and through the sole E of the shoe.

In use, the lock nut 56 is loosened and the stud 46 is engaged in the bushing and drawn down by the screw 54. The arch member D is then shifted longitudinally or laterally into any one of the notches 3'! and/or turned to obtain the desired adjustment after which the screw 54 is loosened, the stud 46 removed and the lock nut 56 tightened to hold the pad and stud in relatively adjusted position. The stud is then reinserted in the bushing 5l and the screw 54 employed to draw the stud and arch member D downwardly to the desired elevated position and finally the set screw 58 is utilized to secure the screw 54 against accidental turning. Under this construction and arrangement, it will be appreciated that a practical-ly universal adjustment of the arch support is obtained.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 9 to l5 inclusive, F designates generally the arch supporting member which includes a base 65 of the desired contour, which is of generally oval formation conforming substantially to the region of the metatarsal arch. The base 65 may be constructed of leather, rubber or any analogous iiexible material which is normally substantially nat and is adapted to rest upon the upper surface of the sole portion G of the shoe. The member F also includes a pad element 66 which conforms generally to the shape of the base 65 and is formed with a flat lower surface and a convex upper surface 6l, the pad being thicker at the central portion and declining towards its marginal edge where it merges into the upper surface of the base 65, the pad element 66 being constructed of rubber, felt or any equivalent yieldable elastic cushioning material suitable for this purpose. The base 65 is formed with a longitudinally extending slot 68 extending from substantially the central portion to a point adjacent the rear portion thereof, said slot having longitudinally spaced laterally extending notches 69:' along: its opposite: side edges which are disposed irr. transverse alignment. The' undersurface or the padelenrent 66 is adhesively or otherwise secured to the upper surface of the base 65 throughout its; area,y except for a. medial por'- tion indicated'. by the broken line 'ill and which unsecured portion is located over the slot 68 and notches 692 Means'. is provided for detachably connecting the arch supporting member F to the shoe sole: G which rconsists of an anchoring device including a threaded stud 'H having' a thinY disk like head 'l2 at its upper end which is positioned between. the upper surface of the base 65 andv the unsecured portion lllof thepad. element 66. The head 12 is provided with: one or more downwardly extending key pins 13 which. are disposed parallel to= the stud 'l Ii and which` key pins, together with the stud, extendthrough the slot and protrude downwardly from theloasev 65'. This construction and arrangement permits of the longitudinal adjustment of are arch member F" with reference to the stud and the turning of the arch member'with reference thereto to obtain the various longitudinal and angularl adjustments. desired.

In this form ofthe invention supplemental supporting elements, designated generally by the reference character H, are adapted to be used which include a relatively thin base 14 having a longitudinal extending slot T5 and communicating notches 'I8 corresponding to the slot 68 and notches 69 of the base 65 of the main arch supporting member F. Each of thev supplemental supports is providedE with a generally forwardly directed reduced extension 'Il having on the upper surface thereof, an auxiliary padl 18 of a yieldable resilient4 material. Each. of the supplemental supporting elements H is adapted to underlie the main arch supporting member F and the extensions Tl' thereof arevariously shaped so that they may be optionallyl used to underlie and elevate various areas of' the forward portion of the main arch supporting' member where additional elevation and support is desired in various regions of the metatarsal arch. As shown in Fig. 9, the supplemental elements H are located under the rst and third metatarsals, while in Figs. 13, le and the elements H for the fifth, fourth and secondmetatarsal are respectively shown.

After the. stud. H and arch supporting element F have beeniset in relativev position and the desired supplemental supporting element or elements H have been applied, a washer 19 is engaged over the stud 1I and key pins 'I3 and a lock nut 80 are employed to bind the parts in set position. `The stud is then inserted in an opening 8| which extends through the shoe sole G, while the key pins are engaged in key sockets 82. An interiorly threaded sleeve 83 is rotatably mounted in an opening 84 in the shoe sole and is adapted to receive the threaded stud 1I which is drawn downwardly together with the arch supporting member F and supplemental sup-porting element or elements H. The threaded sleeve is provided with a kerfed head 85 which is exposed from the bottom of the shoe sole to afford means for turning the sleeve.

In each of the forms disclosed, when the arch supporting element is elevated adjacent the stud portion, the marginal edges of said support are flexed downwardly by the engagement of the foot therewith, while the region adjacent the stud is rmly supported in the elevated position.

What is claimed is:

l. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including a flexible resilient pad having a convex upper surface, a slotted base to which the pad is secured, means to be anchored to the sole of the shoe, means of connection between the said anchoring means and the base extending through the slot therein for adjusting the base with reference to the sole of the shoe, and means for locking the base in adjusted relation on said means of connection.

2. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including a flexible resilient pad having a convex upper surface, a slotted base to which the pad is secured, anchoring means to be extended through the sole of the shoe, and means of connection between the said anchoring means and the base extending through the slot in the base and overlying the base adjacent the said slot for adjusting the base longitudinally and angularly with reference to the sole of the shoe, said anchoring means including a screw rotatable from the exterior of the shoe for drawing the base against the inner surface of the sole of the shoe.

3. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including a flexible resilient pad having a convex upper surface, a slotted base to which the pad is secured, anchoring means to be extended through the sole of the shoe, and means of connection between the said anchoring means and the base extending through the slot in the base and overlying the base adjacent the said slot for adjusting the base longitudinally and angularly with reference to the sole of the shoe, said anchoring means including a screw rotatable from the exterior ofthe shoe for drawing the base against the inner surface of the sole of the shoe, and said means of connection having depending keys extending through the slot in the said base with their ends anchored in the Sole of the shoe for keying the base against rotary movement with respect to the sole of the shoe.

4. A metatarsal arch support for shoes includ- :lng an arch supporting member having a convex upper surface and provided with a substantially T-shaped longitudinally extending recess adjacent to and opening through its lower surface, a stud having a head and a depending threaded shank slidably adjustable in the recess, means for locking the stud and supporting member in adjusted relation, and an anchoring device to be placed in the shoe sole and engageable with the stud for detachably securing the arch supporting member in the shoe.

5. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including an arch supporting member having a convex upper surface and provided with a substantially T-shaped longitudinally extending recess adjacent to and opening through its lower surface, a headed stud engageable with the recess to permit of slidable and rotatable adjustment of the arch supporting member with reference to the stud, and a fixed anchoring device to be placed in the shoe soleand engageable with the stud for detachably securing the arch supporting member in the shoe, and for adjusting the height of the arch supporting member with reference to the sole of the shoe.

6. A metatarsal arch support including a main arch supporting member having a normally convex upper surface and a supplemental arch supporting element adapted to underlie, elevate and support a portion of the area of the main supporting member, and a common means for anchoring the main arch supporting member to the sole of the shoe and for adjustably connecting said supplemental element with the main arch supporting member.

'7. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including an arch supporting member having a convex upper surface and provided with a substantially T-shaped longitudinally extending recess adjacent to and opening through its lower surface, a headed stud engageable with the recess to permit of slidable and rotatable adjustment of the arch supporting member with reference to the stud, a, fixed anchoring device to be placed in the shoe sole, engageable with the stud for detachably securing the arch supporting member in the shoe, and a supplemental arch supporting element having a slotted base adapted to underlie the main arch supporting member and to receive therethrough the stud, said element having an extension with a padded upper surface.

8. A metatarsal arch support for shoes including a flexible resilient pad having a convex upper surface, a base to which the pad is secured, said base having a longitudinally extending slot and longitudinally spaced laterally extending notches opening into the said longitudinal slot, means to be anchored to the sole of the shoe, and means of connection between the anchoring means and the base extending through said longitudinal slot in the base and adapted to be positioned in the said notches for adjusting the base longitudinally and laterally with reference to the sole of the shoe.

JOSEPH C. HOWELL. 

